I started this blog many, many, many years ago. It was a very lonely time in my life, and I wanted to tie myself to the joy in the world with remembering better times and people who had been there during those times. Things have gotten (words fail) so much better than those dark, lonely times — but I still want to be grateful. To remember to be grateful, even on tough days, for how good my life is.

But I mean, good in GENERAL doesn’t mean I don’t want to WHINE. Whining is what I do! But not on this blog — this is my space for gratitude.

So — my COLLEGE FRESHMAN — called last night! And more than that, he FaceTimed! His dad and I were so excited to hear from him, and he told us not one but TWO days he is able to come home and see us — we’re over the moon.

And my high school junior and freshman start next week — both are excited and I am apprehensive, but my best friend keeps reminding me NO MATTER what they will be excellent, they will be fine, they will launch and be happy. Which is genuinely all I want — their joy.

Well, theirs and mine as well — but theirs leads to mine. My dad’s cat died last night, after 17 years — and he and my stepmom were just gutted — trying to save him until the doctor really did convince them it was not getting better — he couldn’t poop or pee anymore … we lost our cat this year, too, after 9 years — her heart just gave out, and we got her when she was already 5, so …

I’m grateful that people who love animals have them in their/our lives. I walk the dogs over to see my mom every day — and they like the exercise and my mom likes the visit, so it works for both. Some of the residents are wanting me to bring the dogs inside … we’ll see …

Just a note, recording my life as it happens …